Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has announced that submissions for the fifth edition of the Kanz Al Jeel Award will remain open until 30th May 2026. The extension aims to encourage a wider participation of creatives in folk literature and Nabati poetry, furthering the award's mission to revive and celebrate Arab cultural heritage.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year, submissions are accepted exclusively in digital format (PDF) through the award's official website. Eligible individuals must have actively contributed to enriching the poetic movement locally or across the Arab world, with their nominated works being original and creative, adding genuine value to human culture and knowledge.
Submissions must be written in Arabic, except for the Translation and Studies and Research categories, which accept entries in other languages. Each nominee is allowed to submit one work in one category per cycle, and the same work cannot be submitted for another award during the same year.
Since its inception in 2021, the Kanz Al Jeel Award has become a prestigious literary platform inspired by the poetry of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. It aims to reinforce the beauty and noble human values in Sheikh Zayed's verse, promoting principles that have left a lasting impact on new generations and inspiring them in the fields of folk literature, especially Nabati poetry.
The award celebrates notable achievements, highlights authors, and publishes their winning works, aligning with the UAE leadership's vision to consolidate national identity, revive and preserve heritage, and acknowledge creativity and creative individuals.
The Kanz Al Jeel Award is presented annually in six categories: Poetry Matching, which honors poems that closely match selected verses by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; Translation; Arts; Poetic Publications; Studies and Research; and the Creative Personality award, which recognizes individuals or organizations making significant contributions to the study, practice, or promotion of Nabati poetry.
